CAIRO: Palestinian Political Groups Agree on New Committee for Gaza Administration
Palestinian factions, including Hamas, announced on Friday that they have reached an agreement to establish an independent committee of technocrats to manage Gaza following the recent conflict.
During a meeting held in Cairo, the groups released a joint statement on Hamas’s website, revealing their decision to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to a temporary Palestinian committee made up of independent experts.
The committee is expected to oversee daily life and essential services in collaboration with Arab countries and international organizations. The statement emphasized that the factions aim to unite their stance in order to address the challenges facing the Palestinian cause. They also called for a gathering of all groups to create a unified national strategy and to enhance the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
It is important to note that Hamas is not part of the PLO, which is largely led by its rival faction, Fatah.
An anonymous source informed AFP that Hamas and Fatah delegations recently met in Cairo to discuss the next steps in a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan concerning Gaza. The source stated that both parties have agreed to continue their discussions in the near future and focus on strengthening Palestinian unity amid the challenges posed by the Israeli government.
Additionally, Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, held talks with senior officials from crucial Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, a Hamas ally, as well as the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine—both part of the PLO.
Hamas and Fatah have a long history of political rivalry, which escalated into violence following the 2006 elections and has been a significant barrier to Palestinian unity. In December 2024, both factions decided to form a committee to jointly manage post-war Gaza, a move that has faced criticism, particularly from Fatah members.
